Holiday Pepper Jelly Brie Cups

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These Holiday Pepper Jelly Brie Cups are the perfect festive appetizer quick to make, irresistibly melty, and just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Buttery phyllo cups cradle creamy Brie cheese and a dollop of zesty holiday pepper jelly, with optional pecans for a little crunch and a sprig of fresh herbs to dress things up. They’re a guaranteed hit for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in by the fire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of phyllo pastry cups (15 cups)
  • 8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup holiday pepper jelly
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet.
  3. Place a small piece of Brie cheese into each pastry cup.
  4. Spoon about a teaspoon of holiday pepper jelly over the Brie.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if using.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the phyllo is golden brown.
  7. Let cool slightly before garnishing with a sprig of rosemary or thyme. Serve warm.

Variations

  1. Cranberry Pepper Jelly Swap: If you want to lean into those cozy holiday flavors, try using cranberry pepper jelly instead of a standard red pepper jelly. It adds a tart note that pairs beautifully with the creamy Brie and gives a deeper red hue that’s extra festive.
  2. Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans entirely for an allergen-friendly version. The cups are still delicious without the crunch, but you can add texture with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots or pomegranate seeds for contrast.
  3. Add a Meaty Touch: For a savory-sweet combo, add a small piece of cooked bacon or prosciutto beneath the Brie before baking. It introduces a salty element that makes the flavors even more complex and satisfying.

Cooking Notes

  1. Use Cold Brie for Easier Cutting: Brie can be tricky to slice when soft. Pop it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before cutting this helps it firm up, making it easier to cube cleanly without sticking.
  2. Don’t Overfill the Cups: A small cube of Brie and about a teaspoon of jelly is plenty. Overfilling can cause the cheese to overflow during baking, making cleanup messier and the cups soggy.
  3. Watch Closely Near the End: Phyllo cups can go from golden to overly crisp in a flash. Keep a close eye during the final minutes of baking to avoid burning the edges.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve Warm for the Best Experience: These Brie cups are at their absolute best when the cheese is gooey and melty. Serve them warm, straight from the oven, or keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
  2. Pair with a Sparkling Cocktail or Mulled Wine: The sweet and spicy notes of the jelly pair wonderfully with holiday beverages. Sparkling wine cuts through the richness, while mulled wine complements the festive spice.
  3. Add to a Holiday Appetizer Platter: These look beautiful nestled among grapes, dried fruits, nuts, and crackers on a charcuterie board. They’ll be the show-stopping centerpiece of any spread.

Tips

  1. Make Ahead & Bake Later: Assemble the cups (except for the jelly and garnish) and refrigerate them a few hours ahead. Add the jelly just before baking to keep the phyllo crisp, then bake right before serving.
  2. Use Mini Muffin Tin for Stability: If your phyllo cups are wobbly on a flat baking tray, place them in a mini muffin tin to keep them upright and catch any cheesy overflow.
  3. Garnish Just Before Serving: Add the fresh rosemary or thyme only after baking to preserve their bright color and flavor. You can also use a tiny sprig or even just a single leaf for a more refined presentation.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Brie Cup)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 120mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yes! You can assemble the phyllo cups with Brie and refrigerate them up to 4 hours ahead. Add the jelly and bake just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
  2. What kind of pepper jelly works best?
    Holiday-style red pepper jelly or cranberry pepper jelly is ideal for both flavor and color. You can also use jalapeño jelly if you want a spicier version.
  3. Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo cups?
    Puff pastry can work in a pinch, but it will require cutting and shaping into mini cups. The texture is also more bread-like than crisp. Phyllo cups are easier and offer a lighter, crunchier bite.
  4. How do I keep the cheese from overflowing?
    Use just enough Brie to fill the cup without piling it too high about a small cube per cup. Overfilling causes the cheese to bubble over during baking.

Conclusion

These Holiday Pepper Jelly Brie Cups are everything a holiday appetizer should be easy to make, visually impressive, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or bringing a tray to a festive potluck, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite that delivers every time. Sweet, savory, melty, and crisp in every bite, they’re bound to disappear fast so you might want to double the batch!

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Holiday Pepper Jelly Brie Cups

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Holiday Pepper Jelly Brie Cups are the perfect festive appetizer quick to make, irresistibly melty, and just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Buttery phyllo cups cradle creamy Brie cheese and a dollop of zesty holiday pepper jelly, with optional pecans for a little crunch and a sprig of fresh herbs to dress things up. They’re a guaranteed hit for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in by the fire.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package of phyllo pastry cups (15 cups)
  • 8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup holiday pepper jelly
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet.
  3. Place a small piece of Brie cheese into each pastry cup.
  4. Spoon about a teaspoon of holiday pepper jelly over the Brie.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if using.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the phyllo is golden brown.
  7. Let cool slightly before garnishing with a sprig of rosemary or thyme. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. Use a small spoon or piping bag for neater jelly application.
  2. Try jalapeño jelly for extra kick or cranberry pepper jelly for more holiday flair.
  3. These can be prepped a few hours ahead and baked right before serving.
  4. Swap pecans for walnuts or skip them entirely for a nut-free version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: holiday appetizer, brie bites, party snacks, phyllo cups, pepper jelly, festive recipe, easy holiday recipe, vegetarian appetizer

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